Shows and/or Concerts

Anytime my students are attending a particularly great concert, they always ask me if I'm going.

Student:  Hey, Mrs. H.  You going to see *insert famous band/singer here*?  I've got tickets...it's going to be awesome!

Me:  Nah.  I don't really like concerts.

Student:  You don't like concerts???  Why not?!  They're awesome!

Me:  Um.  Well, I don't really like people.  And concerts are filled with crowds and there's no space to walk.  It just makes me uncomfortable.

Student:  *Gives me a really strange look*  Um.  Ok.

So it's obvious that my dislike of concerts isn't understood by all audiences.  Unfortunately, it doesn't make the statement any less true.  I don't like crowds, and I hyperventilate if I feel like I can't get out of a crowd of people.  And before you say it, yes, I know there's medication for that.

That said, I have seen some amazing shows on stage that require a mention.

I saw Aida in New York with the original cast and was mesmerized.  It felt like the entire play took a week--and not because I was bored and looking at my watch.  The vocalists were amazing and the props were out of this world.

I had the privilege of seeing Les Miserables and Footloose while I was in New York, too.  They definitely deserve an honorable mention.  So much great singing and dancing.  And you wouldn't believe what they can do right in front of your face--movie special effects need to move over.

Phantom of the Opera requires a mention here, too.  I saw it at the Fox in St. Louis.  That theatre must have been build specifically for shows like Phantom, and the whole experience was wonderful.

My mom and I saw Showboat while I was in college.  It was good, but I think it was better because she was so excited to see it.  Apparently, it was one of her favorites from high school.

Those mentions should be enough to keep you from thinking that I just sit at home in order to avoid all people all the time.  I'm not a complete recluse, and I don't hate all people.  I am, after all, a teacher.  Hm...maybe hallway traffic is the reason I don't want to be crowded?